A preferred bidder has been chosen by the administrators of Championship club Wigan Athletic.
Begbies Traynor said on Wednesday it had received five offers to buy the Latics out of a total 64 non-disclosure agreements sent out.
A letter has now gone out to the anonymous bidder that must now be returned by midday on Thursday, with their lawyers required to confirm they have the entire funds for the acquisition.
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon, Paul Stanley, joint administrator, said: “The bid we have chosen represents the best bid for Wigan as a football club, as well as being the highest bid.
"We are optimistic that a deal will be done, football will continue to be played at the DW stadium.
"We'd like to thank the council, the people of Wigan, everyone at the club and the team, who have continued to play exceptional football in these difficult circumstances, including their historic 8-0 win against Hull City last week.”
Mr Stanley, as well as Gerald Krasner and Dean Watson from Begbies Traynor, were appointed as joint administrators when Wigan Athletic was placed in administration on July 1.
The Championship club faces a 12-point penalty after tonight’s final league game against Fulham, but have lodged an appeal against the action.
Current EFL rules mean that the £400,000 and £500,000 costs of the appeal must be met by the club.
The bidders will remain anonymous at least until contracts are exchanged.
Begbies Traynor also confirmed on Wednesday that the club’s former owner, Au Yeung Wai Kay, agreed to a request to an interview with him and his advisers via Zoom, to discuss the circumstances leading to the club being placed in administration
